ASSISI, Italy — Thousands of pilgrims flock to this historic hilltop town to honor not only two of the Catholic Church’s most revered saints, Francis and Clare, but also its newest saint, Carlo Acutis. Acutis, the first millennial saint, will be officially recognized on April 27.

Maria Rosario Riccio, a mother and educator who recently brought a group of 50 young people from southern Italy to visit Acutis’ shrine, explained the appeal of this newest saint. “St. Francis, St. Clare—they were important saints, but that’s ancient history for today’s teens. Carlo, on the other hand, is a youth of our own time, showing that it’s possible to love Jesus and still be a regular teenager.”

Pilgrims from across the globe, including a priest and his congregation from the Azores islands, a nun from Colombia and her Passionist sisters, and a family with teenage children from near Venice, come to pay respects. Some pray at the monument where Acutis’ body rests, while others take selfies or touch the glass protecting his remains.

Bishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi has been astounded by the fervent devotion to Acutis, which he describes as a “volcano of grace.” He noted that more than a million pilgrims visited to honor the young saint over the past year, attracted by “his smiling way of living our faith.”

Acutis’ cheerful image is as prominent in town’s souvenir shops as Francis’ figure is. One store owner, Silvia Balducci, who was curious about this new saint, has a blessed icon of Acutis at her cash register.

Acutis is remembered by both the church and his family as an exceptionally faithful but ordinary Italian boy. His mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis, said, “Carlo wasn’t an alien, he was a normal person. But if it’s illuminated by the light of Christ, a life becomes extraordinary.”

He was deeply religious but also enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. Acutis had a keen interest in faith, attending Mass regularly and praying the rosary daily. He also had a knack for entertaining his friends with jokes, even as they explored less savory teen pastimes.

Acutis often helped the less fortunate and lived in a way that mirrored St. Francis’ values, particularly in his disinterest in the trappings of wealth common for a child in Milan, one of Europe’s fashion capitals. He asked his parents to donate what they would have spent on sneakers to the poor and preferred teaching catechism over vacationing at high-end resorts.

Father Enzo Fortunato, who directs the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day, points out that Acutis recognized the importance of the internet and social media in modern life. “St. Francis went to the public squares to preach, and Carlo prophetically understood that today’s public squares are online,” Fortunato stated. Acutis is set to become the patron of the web and social media.

Acutis’s legacy includes an online exhibit about eucharistic miracles that has been shared in countless parishes around the world. His mother emphasizes that his ability to be “a bridge to Jesus,” even in the face of terminal illness, is his most significant gift.

For the canonization process, a miracle attributed to Acutis was the healing of a Costa Rican student involved in a bicycle accident in Italy, after her mother prayed to him.

Sabina Falcetta, a mother from Perugia, often visits the shrine to pray for her children. She says, “Carlo Acutis gives us peace. Most importantly, he reassures us that God is a good father.”

Outside the shrine, a Confirmation group from Lake Garda prayed, illustrating the impact of Acutis on younger generations. Veronica Abraham, one of the catechists, focuses on teaching the values of charity and friendship, exemplified by Acutis. Her 13-year-old son, Mario Girardi, was particularly impressed by Acutis’s affability and willingness to help others.

Though not considering a life in the priesthood, Mario said he is inspired to continue going to church and maintain a positive outlook, considering the possibility of becoming a saint himself one day with a hopeful smile.

Source: https://time.com/7272071/newest-catholic-saint-in-assisia-millennial-teen-carlo-acutis/